sorea rea blog: Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2001

##title##

The Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors (AMC) engineers were designing a successor to the smaller Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Three outside (non-AMC) designers—Larry Shinoda, Adam Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro—were under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the Cherokee replacement, then known as the "XJC" project. However, the basic design for the Cherokee's replacement was well under way by AMC's in-house designers and the 1989 Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2001 Laredo interior
The Grand Cherokee was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new model continued and Chrysler employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992 as an Explorer competitor. Unlike the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee utilized monocoque (unibody) construction, whereas the Explorer was a derivative of the Ranger pickup with a separate body-on-frame.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the January 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young, up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Sales of the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee began in April 1992.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan, United States. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SUV

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

The ZJ models, manufactured from 1992 to 1998, originally came in three trim levels: Base, Laredo, and Limited. The Base model offered core features such as full instruments, cloth interior, a standard five-speed manual transmission, while soon gaining the moniker SE name in 1994. Creature comforts like power windows and locks were not standard equipment on the SE, although conveniences like these were finally included in 1995; a somewhat contrasting pricetag with minimal production numbers resulted with low consumer demand and dropping the now-uncommon bare-bone model forever. Additional standard features of note for that time included a driver-side air bag and four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Laredo was the mid-scale model (essentially becoming base model after 1996), standard features included added body cladding power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features displayed a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasted standard features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; heated mirrors, and heated seats, a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels. The Country version was also offered between 1993 and 1997. They were generally painted "Champagne Pearl" or black. It came with 4WD and a 4.0 straight-6. Package groups that could be added to or were included with the various trim levels included: Convenience, Fog Lamp / Skid Plate, Lighting, Luxury, Power, Security, Trailer/Towing.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
In 1995 the performance of the V8 engine was upgraded to 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) from 285 previously. 1996 brought cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), and integrated foglights; interior features added dual airbags and increased fabric quality for seating. At the same time, the "Grand Cherokee" fender emblems in the American Motors-typeface dating back to 1974 were replaced with the typeface used on other Chrysler vehicles. The AMC 4.0 L straight-6 engine, able to tow 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), was also refined, through minimal loss in power but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. Limited models that year and onward had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and variable-assist power steering.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee -

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Between 1996-98, the export Grand Cherokee Laredo (marketed for Japan) had the optional Aspen package (source: The Story of Jeep).